of something other than zinā and says, “You depraved man,” or “You unbeliever,” or “You vile person,” he is given taʿzīr (discretionary punishment). Yet if he says, “You donkey,” or “You swine,” no taʿzīr is imposed.

Taʿzīr may range from a minimum of three lashes to a maximum of thirty-nine. Abū Yūsuf, however, allows it to reach seventy-five lashes. If the ruler deems it proper to add imprisonment to the lashes prescribed as taʿzīr, he may do so.

In terms of harshness, the most severe flogging is taʿzīr, followed by the ḥadd for zinā, then the ḥadd for drinking, and finally the ḥadd for slander (qadhf).

Should a person die after the ruler has carried out a ḥadd or taʿzīr on him, no liability attaches to the ruler for his blood.

When a Muslim receives the ḥadd for qadhf, his testimony is thereafter inadmissible, even if he repents. By contrast, if a non-Muslim had the ḥadd for qadhf executed upon him and then embraces Islam, his testimony is admissible. And Allah knows best.